Happy Birthday

Yesterday, I celebrated my 29th birthday (again). I wanted to have the day off, but as I am a slave to my job, I really didn't have a choice in the matter. I did, however, leave early, so it wasn't all bad. Birthday's suck. I got a call from my bro et al. and found out they are heading down to Virginia Beach on Saturday. I wish I had a car, I'd love to just take off out of the city for a little R&R. I think this is why I haven't went on vacation yet. I don't want to be stuck in this city, waste my days doing nothing but looking at this stinking city and these ugly faces. I am saving to go to Berlin over the Xmas, however, I may just go to experience Xmas markets that lead up to Christmas in December. A planned vacation from late November to 3rd week in December would be good. Oh, I don't know, maybe I should go to Spain or Bermuda over Christmas? I want to go somewhere hot! I'd love to go to Austria or Switzerland for a few days, and end up in Paris. Yes, I know, its not hot, but that would be fabuleux! Mach nicht, ich weiss nicht. Decisions, I hate having to make them, but I'd rather have a choice than no choice at all.

Karl Lagerfeld is A Genius!

Karl Lagerfeld is a Genius!

I have been an admirer of Gabrielle Coco Chanel since I was 10 years old. In '87, I began collecting advertisements (no, way could I every afford anything!) so ads are the next best thing. I have a lovely 4 - 5 page spread of some nice pix of Ines de la Fressenge (sp?). I used to love that name, the way it just elegantly rolls out like beautiful music. In 2001, I couldn't believe my eyes, while walking behind the Ritz (the same entrance that Princess Di and Dodi left that day back in '97) - came upon the Chanel shop, and g-d didn't this black Range Rover pull up and out pops that white hair + black glasses - Karl Lagerfeld walks right past my path, no more than a few steps in front of me, into the shop (entourage in tow). oh, it would have been great if I had the opportunity to meet him.

Silas (aka 'silly ass')
Here is my dog Silas doing what he does best - nosing around at everything and anything. I got Silas as an early xmas gift to myself last December 2004, from a breeder in Norland, Ontario. He is a purebred Pug, however, he seems to have long legs compared to other pugs I've seen. Not that it matters because he is the best thing that has happened to me in a long time. I've decided that right now I do not have time for a relationship, so natürlich, ich entschied einen Hund zu kaufen. Ja, ich muss auf Deutsch zu schreiben üben. But of course, I am using Babels' online translator along with a dictionary (PONS) and relying on my memory of one & 1/2 semesters of German language from Goethe Institute on King St. in Toronto. I had met a german guy from Berlin, a friendship. After two years, of using AIM, letters, postcards, and of course, emails, I finally got the nerve to travel by myself to Europe, with a special stop in Berlin to visit this guy. It was great. Any fears I had disappeared within minutes. Andreas is quite the character. I have learned many things by him. oh Berlin, I miss you very much.

Fashion Designers and their Products

Its happening again. After years of not being so conscious of 'designer labels, style, and brand names' I am trapped again in this world. The people around me are obsessed with labels. I can't understand why. I grew up with Chanel, Gucci, and Louis - and after a couple of saves by daddy in the credit card department, I vowed to stay away and not be caught up with it. I am glad that I don't need to wear a certain item to feel I am worth something. I buy for quality.

I've had my Louis' and Gucci's sitting in my closets for 10 years, occasionally taking them out for air once in awhile. Now, I have the wannabes carrying the fakes or 'vintage' - fakes - walking everywhere.. I was even shocked to see how they sell them outside or near areas where the real thing is sold.. (in Venizia, Napoli, and Sorrento...)

Life Skills Coach Training

Finally, it is over!!! I just spent a week [July 11 - 15th, 2005] attending this intensive facilitation course at the ywca here in Toronto. I am impressed that I even completed it (however, I did feel the urge to take off mid-week, but stuck it out) The heat wave didn't help matters. Met some really nice folks, and was able to step back and look at things differently. My job: although it didn't seem like much (which I guess I sort of preferred) was some printing, designing handouts, very brief presentation (which didn't involve too much) and naturlich, i messed it up. later..